Facts About Emergency Contraception

In an ideal world, we would always plan ahead, but the reality is that many of us have found ourselves at risk of a pregnancy that is unwanted. Fortunately, if this happens, we are no longer limited to waiting and worrying. Emergency contraception can be used immediately after unprotected intercourse or a birth control failure, or up to five days after.

Using emergency contraception greatly decreases the chances of a pregnancy. It does not work if you are already pregnant. (If you think you may already be pregnant, see Unexpected Pregnancy.) It does not cause abortion.

For up-to-date and detailed information on the different types of emergency birth control available in the United States and Canada and where and how to get it, see the Emergency Contraception Website.

In the United States, some types of ECPs are available only with a prescription from a health care provider,and some are available over the counter at pharmacies to people 17 and older. One emergency contraceptive pill, Plan B One-Step, is available without prescription to people of any age. Plan B One-Step generally costs about $40-50.

Although some forms of emergency contraception have been used for several decades, most women and many providers still do not know that it is available and effective. If more women knew about and were able to get emergency contraception when needed, many unintended pregnancies and abortions could be prevented.